WO1998002894A1 - Interrupteur a membrane a detentes multiples - Google Patents

Interrupteur a membrane a detentes multiples Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998002894A1
WO1998002894A1 PCT/US1997/011228 US9711228W WO9802894A1 WO 1998002894 A1 WO1998002894 A1 WO 1998002894A1 US 9711228 W US9711228 W US 9711228W WO 9802894 A1 WO9802894 A1 WO 9802894A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
membrane
contact
electric
flexing
switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/011228
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jonathan Dahlstrom
Original Assignee
United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by United Technologies Automotive, Inc. filed Critical United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
Priority to JP50604698A priority Critical patent/JP2001504627A/ja
Priority to EP97930240A priority patent/EP0861495A1/fr
Publication of WO1998002894A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998002894A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/64—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member wherein the switch has more than two electrically distinguishable positions, e.g. multi-position push-button switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2225/00—Switch site location
    • H01H2225/018—Consecutive operations

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a multiple detent membrane switch, wherein at least two electric circuits are completed with a single membrane switch.
  • Electrical switches are utilized in increasingly greater numbers in modern vehicles.
  • the operator of a modern vehicle is provided with many different control options, and thus, more and more electric switches are required.
  • Vehicle switches typically have included several different mechanical pieces, and assembly has been somewhat time consuming and costly. Moreover, the several piece mechanical switches have also sometimes been subject to failure.
  • switches that can receive serial actuation to indicate different desired switch functions.
  • Window switches are known wherein a first actuation of the switch causes the window to move completely upwardly or downwardly.
  • a second serial actuation of the switch causes the window to stop at a desired intermediate location.
  • This type of switch becomes quite complex and expensive to provide. It is a goal of all vehicle assemblers to decrease the complexity and expense of the components. Thus, less expensive and complex electric switches are desired.
  • Membrane switches are known wherein a membrane has a relaxed position at which it holds two electric contact members out of contact.
  • the membrane switch has a flexing area that can be overcome by an operator to allow the electric contacts to move together.
  • Membrane switches have fewer working parts than the prior art mechanical switches, and thus have some desirable characteristics.
  • the known membrane switches have only been utilized to actuate single circuits, and thus have been less widely utilized than may be desirable.
  • a membrane switch includes at least two detents, or flexing areas, such that it can selectively complete at least two circuits.
  • This invention will be disclosed with an embodiment including only two detents and circuits, but it should be understood that additional detents and circuits could be added.
  • the membrane includes two flexing portions, with a first flexing portion being overcome by an insertion force on a button such that a first circuit is completed. Upon a further insertion force from the operator, the second flexing portion is overcome and flexes to allow the second circuit to be completed.
  • the second circuit is completed by electric contact elements positioned at a radially outer location on the membrane.
  • an operator applies an insertion force to a switch button.
  • the first flexing portion is first overcome, and the first contact member moves into contact with its mating contact in a circuit board. At that time, the first circuit is complete.
  • the inventive multi-detent membrane switch provides distinct detent feel to the operator such that the operator is given a clear indication of when the first circuit is complete, and further when the second circuit is complete. This is important, as an operator only wishing to close the first circuit must have an indication of when sufficient insertion force has been placed on the switch such that the operator does not inadvertently close the second switch.
  • Figure 1 is a view of the inventive multiple detent membrane switch.
  • Figure 2 shows the switch of Figure 1 with a first circuit closed.
  • Figure 3 shows the switch of the present invention with both circuits closed.
  • FIG. 1 An inventive multiple detent membrane switch 20 is illustrated in Figure 1.
  • a membrane 22 is formed with a button face 24.
  • the button 26 is positioned on a first planar portion 27 of the membrane 22.
  • the contact 26 is positioned above contact members 28 formed on a circuit board 29.
  • the button 24 extends through a housing 30, shown here schematically, and is accessible to an operator of a vehicle or other system which carries the membrane switch 20. Other types of linkages may connect an operator switch to the button 24 to allow an operator to move the button.
  • a second contact 31 is positioned on a planar face 35 on membrane 22, and spaced from contacts 32 formed on circuit board 29. Contact 31 is preferably placed on a centerline of the button face 24.
  • a first flexing area 33 is positioned radially outwardly of the contact 26, and a second flexing area
  • the inventive switch is able to control two circuits with a minimum of parts.
  • the contacts are shown somewhat schematically, and it should be understood that the contacts 32 and 28 would complete a circuit when contacted by the contacts 31 and 26, respectively.
  • Figure 2 shows the first circuit closed by the inventive switch 20.
  • button 24 has been pressed inwardly relative to the housing 30.
  • Contact member 26 is moved into contact with the contact 28.
  • the flexing portion 33 has flexed into its flexed position 36. A first, lower insertion force is required to achieve this position.
  • the design and manufacture of flexing portion 33 that can move to a flex position 36 is within the skill of a worker in the membrane switch art.
  • Single detent membrane switches have been developed, and the known flexing technology utilized there is sufficient for purposes of this invention. As shown in Figure 2, contacts 31 and 32 remain out of contact, and thus the second circuit is not complete.
  • the button 24 is pressed further inwardly.
  • the flexing portion 34 moves to its flexed orientation 38, and the contact 31 now contacts contact 32.
  • the second circuit is now completed.
  • the operator is provided with a clear indication of the completion of the first detent as shown at Figure 2, and knows to stop insertion if it is not desired to complete the second circuit.
  • the operator is also provided with a clear indication of when the second detent is completed to complete the second circuit.
  • the switch 20 maintains the position shown in Figures 2 and 3 until the button 24 is released. Once released, the flexing areas return the switch to the Figure 1 orientation.
  • the first detent and circuit can be utilized to generate a window to fully closed or open positions.
  • the second circuit could be utilized to provide an indication that the operator would like the window movement to stop at an intermediate location.
  • the use of the single membrane switch provides this dual switching ability with a minimum of parts and complexity for the required switching elements.
  • the contacts 26 may be a generally cylindrical rings or may be circumferentially spaced contacts.
  • the first flexing portion 33 is radially outwardly of the first contact 26.
  • the second flexing portion 34 is radially between the first contact 26 and the second contact 31.
  • the second contact 31 is radially inwardly of the first contact 26.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un interrupteur à membrane comprenant des détentes multiples. Une paire de circuits électriques est fermée par l'interrupteur à membrane, et une paire de parties souples est prévue sur ladite membrane. Une première partie souple est neutralisée par une première force d'insertion inférieure de sorte qu'un premier circuit soit fermé, et une seconde partie souple est seulement neutralisée par une autre force d'insertion. Ladite seconde partie souple est finalement neutralisé et ferme un second circuit. L'interrupteur à membrane de l'invention permet à l'opérateur d'avoir des indications claires et de sentir la détente pour chacun des deux circuits.
PCT/US1997/011228 1996-07-17 1997-06-26 Interrupteur a membrane a detentes multiples WO1998002894A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP50604698A JP2001504627A (ja) 1996-07-17 1997-06-26 多段移動止め膜スイッチ
EP97930240A EP0861495A1 (fr) 1996-07-17 1997-06-26 Interrupteur a membrane a detentes multiples

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/680,623 US5717176A (en) 1996-07-17 1996-07-17 Sequentially operated membrane switches
US08/680,623 1996-07-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998002894A1 true WO1998002894A1 (fr) 1998-01-22

Family

ID=24731833

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/011228 WO1998002894A1 (fr) 1996-07-17 1997-06-26 Interrupteur a membrane a detentes multiples

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5717176A (fr)
EP (1) EP0861495A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2001504627A (fr)
CA (1) CA2230798A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998002894A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2775829A1 (fr) * 1998-03-06 1999-09-10 Bosch Gmbh Robert Systeme de boutons poussoirs
EP1623662A1 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2006-02-08 Olympus Corporation Dispositif d'entree de regulation d'un fluide endoscopique
DE102008003264A1 (de) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-09 Demmel Ag Abgesicherte Tastatur mit Schutz gegen Ausbau der Tasten
EP2184752A1 (fr) 2008-10-08 2010-05-12 Research In Motion Limited bouton poussoir à actionnement consécutif

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US5867082A (en) * 1995-06-02 1999-02-02 Duraswitch, Inc. Switch with magnetically-coupled armature
US5938589A (en) * 1997-07-15 1999-08-17 Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. Control switch device for an endoscope duct
JP3470641B2 (ja) * 1999-04-30 2003-11-25 日本電気株式会社 キーボタン付装置
JP2002245895A (ja) * 2001-02-14 2002-08-30 Yazaki Corp ドームスイッチ
EP1235241B1 (fr) * 2001-02-23 2007-05-30 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Elément interrupteur à bouton poussoir
US6303887B1 (en) * 2001-02-23 2001-10-16 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Pushbutton switch element for pushbutton switch structure
US6999009B2 (en) * 2001-08-31 2006-02-14 Logitech Europe S.A. Sensing keys for keyboard
JP2003187671A (ja) * 2001-12-14 2003-07-04 Nec Saitama Ltd キー入力回路、及び、携帯端末の入力装置
US6737592B1 (en) 2003-03-14 2004-05-18 Motorola, Inc. Switch assembly for operating a device in different operational modes
GB2404788B (en) * 2003-08-07 2006-08-23 Research In Motion Ltd Printed circuit board for a mobile device
JPWO2005124805A1 (ja) * 2004-06-15 2008-04-17 日本航空電子工業株式会社 ドーム接点およびそれを用いた多段動作電気スイッチ
US7253366B2 (en) * 2004-08-09 2007-08-07 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Exit alarm for a hospital bed triggered by individual load cell weight readings exceeding a predetermined threshold
US7067757B1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2006-06-27 Siemens Communications Inc. Multi-tier keypad assembly
US7132615B1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2006-11-07 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Switchpad for a pushbutton switch assembly
JP4735096B2 (ja) * 2005-07-21 2011-07-27 ヤマハ株式会社 電子鍵盤楽器の鍵操作検出装置
US7493810B2 (en) * 2006-08-18 2009-02-24 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Device for mechanical weight bearing indication with load range capability
CN101908428A (zh) * 2009-06-08 2010-12-08 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 按键结构及应用该按键结构的便携式电子装置
CN102339683A (zh) * 2010-07-23 2012-02-01 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 多功能按键结构
US8717181B2 (en) 2010-07-29 2014-05-06 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Bed exit alert silence with automatic re-enable
US9017372B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2015-04-28 Covidien Lp Blade deployment mechanisms for surgical forceps
US9345534B2 (en) 2010-10-04 2016-05-24 Covidien Lp Vessel sealing instrument
US9655672B2 (en) 2010-10-04 2017-05-23 Covidien Lp Vessel sealing instrument
US20140090967A1 (en) * 2011-05-10 2014-04-03 Covac Co., Ltd. Two-step switch
DE102012217468B4 (de) * 2011-09-28 2022-11-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho Tastenschalter für ein elektronisches Klavier
WO2014151624A1 (fr) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-25 Soligie, Inc. Commutateur tactile imprimé activé à l'aide d'une force magnétique et ses applications
KR101499178B1 (ko) * 2014-01-23 2015-03-09 계명대학교 산학협력단 차량의 트렁크 래치의 접촉스위치 모듈 및 이를 사용하는 차량의 트렁크 래치 모듈
JP6303558B2 (ja) * 2014-02-06 2018-04-04 ヤマハ株式会社 反力発生装置
US10542976B2 (en) * 2014-07-31 2020-01-28 Covidien Lp Powered surgical instrument with pressure sensitive motor speed control
JP6638256B2 (ja) * 2015-08-24 2020-01-29 ヤマハ株式会社 反力発生装置及び電子楽器の鍵盤装置
US9991070B2 (en) * 2015-09-22 2018-06-05 Apple Inc. Multiple function switch with mechanical feedback
US10707032B1 (en) * 2016-12-02 2020-07-07 Apple Inc. Electronic device having travel-magnifying input/output structure

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GB2071420A (en) * 1980-03-12 1981-09-16 Int Computers Ltd Retractive Mechanical Switches
US5510584A (en) * 1995-03-07 1996-04-23 Itt Corporation Sequentially operated snap action membrane switches

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US4376238A (en) * 1980-03-12 1983-03-08 International Computers Limited Electrical devices
CN86101312A (zh) * 1985-02-12 1986-10-22 日本乐器制造株式会社 电子乐器键板开关装置
US5559311A (en) * 1994-12-27 1996-09-24 General Motors Corporation Dual detent dome switch assembly

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2071420A (en) * 1980-03-12 1981-09-16 Int Computers Ltd Retractive Mechanical Switches
US5510584A (en) * 1995-03-07 1996-04-23 Itt Corporation Sequentially operated snap action membrane switches

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2775829A1 (fr) * 1998-03-06 1999-09-10 Bosch Gmbh Robert Systeme de boutons poussoirs
EP1623662A1 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2006-02-08 Olympus Corporation Dispositif d'entree de regulation d'un fluide endoscopique
EP1623662A4 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2007-05-02 Olympus Corp Dispositif d'entree de regulation d'un fluide endoscopique
EP1955646A1 (fr) * 2003-05-12 2008-08-13 Olympus Corporation Dispositif d'entrée de contrôle de fluide d'endoscope
DE102008003264A1 (de) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-09 Demmel Ag Abgesicherte Tastatur mit Schutz gegen Ausbau der Tasten
DE102008003264B4 (de) * 2008-01-04 2016-07-28 Demmel Ag Manipulationsgeschütze Tastatur mit Schutz gegen Ausbau der Tastenkappen
EP2184752A1 (fr) 2008-10-08 2010-05-12 Research In Motion Limited bouton poussoir à actionnement consécutif
US8058571B2 (en) 2008-10-08 2011-11-15 Research In Motion Limited Dual-action single-key mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5717176A (en) 1998-02-10
EP0861495A1 (fr) 1998-09-02
MX9802073A (es) 1998-10-31
JP2001504627A (ja) 2001-04-03
CA2230798A1 (fr) 1998-01-22

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